WackyJacqsFanFiction

Tangled Threads (Ch 27)

 

CHAPTER 27

 

Jack's legs were crossed at the ankles as he propped them on top of the coffee table in the den. His left arm was draped casually along the backrest of the couch, whilst his right hung over the armrest, a half-empty bottle of beer dangling precariously between his long dexterous fingers.

 

He watched the fire burning in front of him, mesmerized as the flames roared and crackled in the furnace, casting a variety of distorted shadows throughout the darkened room.

 

Taking a sip of his beer, Jack sank further into the couch and let out a sigh. Glancing down to his left, he smiled at the mop of blonde hair currently splayed across his shoulder. Sam was nestled perfectly into his side as she leant into him, her feet tucked underneath her.

 

"You okay?" he mumbled into her hair.

 

She nodded, her hair tickling Jack's neck before she snaked one hand across his stomach and coming to rest on his chest.

 

"Mmmhmm."

 

"What time are the guys arriving tomorrow?" she asked a minute later, wriggling slightly to see Jack's face.

 

"Early. T says they're driving through the night."

 

"Oh."

 

She settled back against him, repositioning her head on his chest and Jack was convinced she would be able to feel it hammering underneath her. Taking another drink to hide the strange surge of nervousness running through him, he felt himself relax slightly when Sam reached behind her to catch his hand and pull his arm around her. They fell into silence and as he began to rub small, lazy circles on the back of her hand with his thumb, Sam felt herself drifting off to sleep with the soothing motion.

 

"Thought about what you want to tell them yet?" Jack asked, staring at the fire.

 

She sighed. "No."

 

"We'll figure something out," he reassured her quietly.

 

"Maybe we could tell them over dinner," Sam suggested after a while.

 

He squeezed her hand in affirmation, before slowly extricating it. He moved his hand to her hair and started gently twisting and twirling the occasional strand between his fingers, the sensations causing Sam to relax, but also sending her senses into overload.

 

She hummed. "Mmm... that's nice," she smiled, moving impossibly closer to him.

 

Jack continued to play with her hair and he smiled to himself as he listened to the breathing of the woman cradled next to him. He was holding a sleeping Samantha Carter in his arms. Because he could. Sweet!

 

He stretched carefully and gingerly let his beer bottle from his fingers, hoping it didn't have too far to fall. Not that it would matter if it spilt, he acquiesced; he'd spilt beer on the rug a hundred times beforehand. No, he just didn't want to hear the sound of a bottle crashing to the floor and shattering the peaceful moment.

 

Happy that the bottle - and its contents - were still fully intact, Jack reached behind him to pull the blanket from the back of the couch. Shifting slightly so he could place it around Sam, he winced when her breathing hitched.

 

"Jack?"

 

"Sorry."

 

Her breathing started to even out again and Jack knew she was on the verge of sleep when her mumbled words reached his ears.

 

"Tomorrow... can you teach me to fish?"

 

Jack grinned at her question before dropping a kiss into her hair.

 

"Ya sure you betcha... snookums," he whispered smugly.

 

***
 

Sam felt a persistent - and highly annoying - weight bring her out of her slumber as it poked her shoulder. It was closely followed by someone calling her name.

 

"Sam. Sam, wake up for me."

 

"Hmm?"

 

"I know it's early, but there's something you gotta see," Jack continued softly as he pushed away from the edge of the guest bed.

 

"Meet you in the kitchen in five. And grab a sweater," he called from halfway down the hall.

 

Sam sat up with a start and glanced around the guestroom she was now alone in. Frowning in confusion, she realized the General must have carried her to bed. Again, she thought with embarrassment, whilst he had supposedly then retired to his own room for the night. Shrugging, she shook her head to clear the last remnants of sleep from her mind and pushed back the covers to look for a sweatshirt.

 

"So, what do I need to see at 0430?" Sam asked as she entered the kitchen a couple of minutes later.

 

"You'll see," Jack replied with a grin before swinging around to face her.

 

Sam's hand froze midway to her tousled hair.

 

"Uh, do I need to change?" she asked slowly when she saw Jack standing in a pair of jeans and a black half zip fleece; compared to her attire of checkered flannel pajama bottoms, a white tank top and an old Air Force sweatshirt.

 

"Nope. You're perfect... ready?"

 

She nodded and arched a brow in amusement as Jack grasped her hand and led her out of the kitchen and around the side of the cabin. He slowed as they reached the dock and as they came to the edge of the lake, he stopped. Spreading his legs apart, he pulled Sam close, and into the space between his thighs. Her back was resting against his chest and he wrapped his arms around her waist, before resting his chin on her right shoulder allowing his lips to fall perfectly close to her ear. She opened her mouth to speak, when Jack shushed her.

 

"Just wait," he murmured.

 

They stood like that for ten minutes before Sam realized what it was he wanted her to see. Within moments she watched speechless as the night sky disappeared to reveal the most beautiful sunrise she had ever experienced.

 

The sun was partially hidden by the mountains, causing the sky to turn into a myriad of colors. Streaks of blue, pink, orange, yellow and red lined the Minnesota skyline and the contrasting black silhouettes from the tall evergreens on the other side of the still lake only added to the picturesque landscape.

 

They stood in silence as they watched the ever-changing sky until it evened out to a light blue color and the sun was shining brightly above the mountaintops.

 

"Thank you," she whispered.

 

Jack angled his head forward so he could see her expression better.

 

"Worth getting up this early for?"

 

Turning towards him so her nose was millimeters from his, she grinned.

 

"Always."

 

Jack wanted nothing more than to lower his head a fraction more and claim Sam's lips with his but instead cleared his throat quietly.

 

"I, ah, have something for you."

 

He saw surprise register in her eyes before she schooled her features. Letting his arms fall from around her, he took a small step back as Sam turned to face him.

 

He shoved a hand into his jeans pocket and fished something out. He quickly wrapped his fingers around it, hiding it from Sam's view, but seeing her expectant expression, he decided he didn't want to prolong her curiosity on this occasion. He simply smiled at her before reaching out and slowly uncurling his fingers.

 

"I kinda messed up the question... but I wanted to do something right," he shrugged helplessly.

 

Sam's breath caught as her eyes fell onto a small, black box resting in the palm of Jack's hand. She glanced at him with wide eyes, and at his encouraging nod, she stretched out a shaky hand. Clutching it tightly, she opened the lid and gasped.

 

Nestled perfectly in the middle of the box was an engagement ring. It was elegant in its simplicity and just screamed Jack. It was nothing compared to the monster of a ring Pete had chosen for her. No, this one... this one was right. Perfect, even.

 

It was stunning. The ring was platinum and had one single, round cut diamond set in the center with a smaller blue topaz resting on either side. As she looked at it, she knew instinctively the ring was her size, but how Jack knew her size... she didn't know. She also didn't know where - or when - he had purchased the ring for her. She wasn't thinking highly of herself, but she knew he had kept it for her and her alone.

 

Sam realized she must have been staring at the ring for too long when Jack suddenly took it back from her. He deftly plucked it from the holder and snapped the box shut with a grin. Reaching for her left hand, he raised a brow in question. When Sam smiled softly, Jack's eyes darted to her hand as he elegantly slid the engagement ring onto her finger.

 

He squeezed her hand gently before she entwined their fingers, lifting them in front of her face so she could study the new addition again.

 

"It's perfect, Jack," she eventually whispered. "Thank you."

 

His eyes fell to Sam's lips before darting back up to her eyes. To hell with it, he thought as he leant forward and brushed his lips gently against hers. Without a word, she turned and leant back into his chest as he pulled her into a secure embrace.

***

 

Daniel and Teal'c arrived at the cabin a little after 0900 laden down with the remaining food and drink supplies Jack had mentioned on Monday night, as well as an unlimited supply of bug repellent.

 

Once everything was stored away, the four of them set about making breakfast all the while making small talk about the guys' journey to the cabin and anything remotely interesting that had occurred over the last couple of days since they last saw each other. One thing that wasn't mentioned however was the new development in Sam and Jack's relationship.

 

After watching the sunrise, Jack and Sam had remained standing on the dock for a further half hour before heading back into the warmth of the cabin and once they'd had a cup of coffee, shower and change of clothes, they both decided they would tell their friends tonight - over dinner - but insist the news go no further for the time being.

 

They wanted to wait until Monday morning, when they would be back at the SGC. There, Sam would be able to sign her transfer forms and Jack would forward them straight through to Hammond to set their plan in motion. Sam also promised a very insistent Jack that she would call her brother on Monday and tell him the news too - something to do with an excitable five-year-old, he said.

 

For the meantime however, the couple were content to act like they used to do around each other. And Sam's engagement ring was stored securely among her possessions in the guest room.

 

As soon as breakfast had been completed, Jack had disappeared, mumbling something about 'setting up outside', and very kindly leaving the other three to share the cleaning duties.

 

There were only a few dishes left and Sam glanced out the window as she picked one up and began to dry. She caught sight of Jack rummaging around in a rusty looking box and smiled.

 

Sam thought her and Jack were hiding their 'relationship' well, but she also knew that Daniel and Teal'c weren't stupid. They had spent most of the last decade side by side; it wouldn't surprise her if they could pick up some hint on some subliminal level somewhere. Adding credence to her theories, was the fact that she had felt Daniel's eyes on her and Jack almost immediately after he arrived at the cabin. It was almost as if he did know about the change in their relationship... he just didn't know what the change was. She risked a glance at Teal'c and chuckled to herself. If Teal'c was assisting him with his investigations, he was being much more discreet about it.

 

She handed Daniel the plate and as he finished stacking the final pile of dishes back into the cupboard, Jack returned, strolling casually into the kitchen with a fishing pole in one hand and an old metal tackle box in the other.

 

"Alright, Carter. You ready to fish?" he asked, the excitement evident in his voice. Turning to face him, Sam give him a quick onceover before she burst out laughing. He was wearing the biggest shit-eating grin, and sitting proudly on his head, was the bucket hat Jo had brought him back from the zoo.

 

"You look..."

 

"Easy," Jack mockingly warned.

 

"I was just going to say you look perfect for a day of fishing," she retorted innocently, holding her hands up in front of her.

 

He narrowed his eyes in suspicion, before turning to the other occupants in the room.

 

"You guys want to join us for a lesson?"

 

"Uh, no, not yet," Daniel hesitated, as he pushed his glasses up his nose. "I thought I'd, uh, join you soon..." he trailed off with a shrug.

 

"Okay," Jack drawled, tilting his head towards Teal'c.

 

"T, buddy?"

 

"I am content for the moment to remain inside the cabin, O'Neill. I shall however acquire a selection of liquid refreshments for yourself and Colonel Carter and escort them to you at the lake," he replied, bowing his head slightly.

 

"Uh, yeah. I'll help with that," Daniel added, bobbing his head up and down enthusiastically.

 

With a jerk of Jack's head, Sam smiled before heading out of the kitchen to the small dock, while the two remaining members of SG-1 watched with interest as Jack followed.

 

***
 

"No, you're too tense still. You need to relax," Jack said as Sam struggled to cast her line smoothly into the pond.

 

"C'mere, let me show you," he murmured as he set his own line down and moved to stand behind her.

 

He knew his friends - well, Daniel mostly - would be watching from the kitchen window to see if he could spot something, anything to indicate there was something going on between the two officers.

 

Jack didn't want them to discover their news until later but as he stood behind Sam, he knew that his actions would bring him close enough to Sam to enjoy it freely, but also close enough that it wouldn't look too suspicious from the inside of the cabin.

 

He stepped closer to Sam and heard her breath catch as his arms came around her, his hands resting atop of hers on the fishing rod. She could feel him grinning against her skin as her breathing sped up, but she resisted the urge to shudder at the electricity bombarding every nerve ending in her body.

 

"Just relax, Carter," he murmured, as his lips brushed against her ear. Sam closed her eyes as Jack adjusted her hands slightly on the rod. His sudden chuckle made her eyes fly open and she turned to look at him.

 

"Will ya relax? It's not a staff weapon you're holding onto, y'know," he teased.

 

"Wh..."

 

"I can see the whites of your knuckles, Carter. Loosen your grip."

 

She could feel the blush spreading across her face, but did as she was told. Feeling Jack nodding, she tried to focus on his hands and how they were efficiently sweeping over hers.

 

"Okay, so you need to hold it like this," he demonstrated, gripping her hands slightly harder to emphasize his point.

 

"Then..." He shifted slightly and lifted one of her arms higher as he pulled it back towards him.

 

"Whenever you go to cast it..." He ran one of his hands along her arm as he repositioned it, smirking when he left a trail of goosebumps in his wake.

 

"You can follow through with your shoulder..." His hands were still resting on hers and he took the lead as they cast the line and watched it hit the water perfectly.

 

"Nice," he whistled and Sam felt a flutter at his praise.

 

The movement also meant Jack was now a lot closer to Sam and he had to swallow hard when he noticed just how close he was to her lips. She felt herself smirking when Jack cleared his throat awkwardly and suddenly stepped backwards.

 

"Uh... So, yeah. Just... just like that, Carter," he stumbled, running a hand across the back of his neck.

 

"You know how to reel it back in?" he asked after a beat.

 

She smiled. "Yes, thank you, Jack."

 

Jack nodded at her thanks before letting out a deep breath.

 

"Okay, so, uh... I'll go grab you a chair. You stay here, and... practise," he muttered, waving a hand in the air as he made his way around the side of the cabin.

***
 

After Jack left the kitchen with Sam, Daniel waited patiently for about half a second before making a swift beeline for the window. Standing at the far side of the glass, he congratulated himself on the perfect vantage point as he watched his two friends come to a stop near the water's edge.

 

Daniel knew about their feelings for each other. He had for some time, and if he thought about it long enough, he was sure he was the first to discover said feelings. After all, he had been the one transported to another reality where they had been engaged all those years ago. He laughed slightly; the look on Jack and Sam's face when he told them about their alternate relationship at the time, had been priceless.

 

Over the years, Daniel had often made his feelings for the Air Force for their rules and how they perceived to deal with certain situations. Usually, it involved innocent people versus the desire for advanced technology and he would find himself fighting for the civilization, every time. However, as time went on there was one set of rules in particular which affected Daniel more than he thought it would. Namely, the fraternization rules.

 

He saw first hand how Jack or Sam reacted when the other was lying injured in the infirmary or was missing off-world somewhere. It was like a part of them died, only coming back to life when they knew the other was definitely going to be okay.

 

They had worked well together during their time on SG-1 and he was impressed, but also frustrated, by their total dedication to the Air Force.

 

Every team at the SGC had suffered loss, but Daniel suspected SG-1 had, sadly, suffered more than most. But if anyone had lost more than any other officer, it was Jack and Sam. Daniel was devastated when Sha're was abducted and then killed, but he loved her and was thankful for everyday he had been able to spend with her. He also knew Teal'c had loved his wife dearly and cherished their relationship, even though he too lost her during the battle with the Goa'uld. Jack and Sam though, were different.

 

Yes, Daniel knew Jack had been married to Sara, and whilst he was in no doubt that they had loved each other before Charlie's death; the archeologist knew it was nothing compared to what Jack felt for Sam.

 

They worked hard and denied themselves so much to hide it, but anyone who worked with them for long enough knew they cared deeply for each other. A lot of officers could put it down to the unique job that you had to grow close and trust each other with your life, but for SG-1, SG-3, General Hammond... those that really knew them, knew it was more than that. Which was what made it much more difficult to witness.

 

The pain and suffering they caused themselves and each other, just because of their job.

 

He let out a heavy sigh.

 

Jack was his best friend; Sam was like a sister to him and both had suffered a great loss lately through Jacob and Selmak's death. They were also both on the rebound from relationships. At this thought, Daniel shook his head slightly; he was glad Sam had finally said goodbye to Pete, and he hadn't even tried to begin to understand Jack's relationship with the Kerry Johnson woman. There were just somethings best friends didn't need to know.

 

Those choices had been a turning point. It was the closest they had both come to losing everything important to them - and for so long, they didn't even realize it. They were slowly self-destructing and it was only a tragic death that made them see sense.

 

Daniel had watched them together - more times than he could care to remember. He just wanted them to be happy. It was the least they deserved after everything they had given to the cause. They were perfect for each other and balanced the other out. In every reality they had come into contact with, they were always together. Whether engaged or married, it didn't matter. Fate always had them as one.

 

And Daniel knew, as he stood watching them work outside, he knew now was finally their time. Which was why he was so intent on studying their interactions.

 

He didn't know what he expected to happen between them, or how they would take that first step as a couple, or even when. He just knew it'd be soon.

 

He jumped as the deep baritones of Teal'c cut through his thoughts.

 

"Do you not believe it would be more prudent to acquire the cold beverages, Daniel Jackson?"

 

"Huh?" he frowned in confusion, pulling his gaze away from the window to glance at Teal'c over his shoulder.

 

At an arch of the Jaffa's eyebrow, Daniel registered his silent demand.

 

He would help him acquire the cold beverages.

 

"Oh. Yeah, I guess you're right," he mumbled sheepishly, dragging himself away from his spot.

 

Teal'c dipped his head before continuing with his previous task, while Daniel pursed his lips as a thought entered his mind. Narrowing his eyes slightly, he picked up two bottles of beer.

 

"You know something, don't you," he stated suspiciously, as he handed the drinks to his friend.

 

"Indeed, I do not."

 

"Then what am I talking about?"

 

"You are curious as to whether there has been a change in the relationship between O'Neill and Colonel Carter," he said flatly as he continued to fill the cooler with drinks.

 

Daniel's slack jaw gave him away and he cleared his throat before he folded his arms across his chest.

 

"Okay, so maybe you do know what I'm talking about," he mumbled.

 

Teal'c straightened from his spot at the kitchen table and turned to face the archeologist with a blank expression as he clasped his hands behind his back.

 

It was a few seconds before Daniel's impatience won out. "Well... do you?"

 

At a raised brow from Teal'c, the younger man sighed.

 

"They seem... different," Daniel shrugged, before reaching to grab a couple tins of soda.

 

"They appear to be acting like their antiquated selves."

 

"Uh, I think you mean 'old selves' Teal'c, but that's my point. They're different," he explained.

 

At a tilt of Teal'c's head, Daniel sighed.

 

"Come on, when was the last time you remember them flirting or being so relaxed in each other's company? Certainly not since Pete came on the scene," Daniel explained.

 

"Are you not happy that the old relationship between our friends has returned, Daniel Jackson," Teal'c asked with a hint of unamusement in his voice.

 

"No, no, no, not at all. It's good to see, but..." He pushed his glasses up his head and pinched the bridge of his nose. "I know something's happened. I don't know what it is, but something has made them go back to how they were."

 

"Perhaps O'Neill has said something of interest to Colonel Carter," Teal'c suggested, causing Daniel to spin around and face him.

 

"Wh... what?"

 

Daniel squinted at the taller man, and he could see the smallest of smirks on his face.

 

"You do know something!"

 

Teal'c arched an eyebrow in response and Daniel nodded slowly.

 

"But you're not going to tell me," he said dejectedly. "I'll figure it out," he muttered after a minute as he returned his gaze to the window.

 

"Oh. Oh! What have we here? Teal'c, quick! Come here."

 

Teal'c eloquently set the drinks he was holding onto the table and moved towards his friend. When he came to a stop beside him, Daniel thrust his arm under Teal'c's face and excitedly proclaimed; "Look!"

 

Teal'c calmly observed the two people standing outside the cabin, tilting his head slightly as he watched O'Neill place his arms around Carter's waist.

 

"I knew something had happened!" Daniel continued, slapping Teal'c's arm repeatedly in excitement.

 

The Jaffa raised a brow and looked at where Daniel was hitting him, before meeting his friends' eye.

 

"Oh. Sorry, Teal'c." Daniel mumbled, a crimson blush rapidly spreading across his face. He quickly moved his hands and began drumming them nervously on the edge of the worktop.

 

"I knew it," he repeated quietly.

 

"To what are you referring, Daniel Jackson?" Teal'c asked evenly.

 

His eyes widened before pointing out the window.

 

"That! Jack. And Sam. He's... hugging her!" He frowned briefly, before nodding in confirmation. Hugging.

 

"I believe O'Neill is merely demonstrating the art of effective fishing to Colonel Carter."

 

"Wh..."

 

Daniel spun to look back out the window. He leaned closer and squinted as if it would give him a clearer vision. He opened and closed his mouth a couple of times trying to decide what to say to Teal'c. He couldn't be right. Could he?

 

Daniel crossed his arms across his chest and frowned. Dipping his head, he took a deep breath and pushed his glasses up his nose before meeting his friends' gaze. He was about to agree with his observation when he caught the twinkle in Teal'c's eye.

 

"Was that a joke?"

 

"Perhaps."

 

Daniel felt himself grinning. Jack and Sam were so busted.

 

"So..." he hedged, gesturing towards Teal'c after a few seconds.

 

"Like yourself, I do believe there has been a change in their relationship."

 

Seeing his companion about to interrupt, he dipped his head.

 

"But I also believe they will inform us of such during a period of their optimum choosing."

 

Daniel frowned at his words before he understood. "Uh... it's 'when the time is right', Teal'c, and yeah... I guess so."

 

Teal'c raised a brow before turning and going back to the table to put the final drinks in the cooler. Daniel on the other hand took one last look out the window just in time to see Jack tenderly run his hand down Sam's arm.

 

He let out a triumphant grin. Oh yeah, something had definitely happened.

 

Daniel let out an undignified snort, which quickly turned into a feigned cough as Teal'c gave him an unimpressed look.

 

"Sorry, Teal'c. What'd you say?"

 

"Are you ready to proceed outdoors?"

 

"Oh. Uh... yeah," he nodded.

 

With the smallest of smiles, Teal'c lifted the cooler off the table with one swift movement while Daniel literally skipped out the door behind him. Coming to a stop at his side, the younger man automatically took one end of the drinks cooler as they both reached down to pick up a chair.

 

Just before they rounded the corner of the cabin Daniel caught Teal'c's warning look to not mention their discussion inside the cabin. Swallowing hard, Daniel nodded. He lowered his head and suddenly found the ground in front of him fascinating as he made his way towards his two friends.

***

 

Jack snatched his fishing line from where it lay on the grass before sinking into the chair at Sam's right.

 

Casting the line into the pond, Sam couldn't help but smile.

 

"This is great," she enthused.

 

"I told ya!"

 

"I can't believe we didn't do this years ago."

 

Jack froze briefly at her words, casting her a wary look before he answered.

 

"Yes, well, let's not dwell."

 

They fell into a comfortable silence again, when Sam suddenly smirked.

 

"There are no fish in this pond, are there?"

 

"No."

 

Sam giggled as she turned to look at him. She was just about to respond when she heard Daniel and Teal'c from the side of the cabin. Turning back to face the pond, she sighed contentedly, whilst Jack launched his line back into the water.

 

"Nice," he quipped as it landed in the far left of the pond, and grinning when he heard Sam's snort from beside him.

 

"Jack, Sam," Daniel greeted, a beer in hand for each of them.

 

Jack nodded, whilst Sam smiled her thanks as they waited for Daniel to pull up a chair.

 

"So," he began after a snagging a drink for himself. "Are there actually any fish in this pond?"

 

***

A/N: For Chapters 28 – 30 please click here. Thank you!